My ancestor, William Weir, immigrated to Pennsylvania from Ireland in 1819 (age 21). He may have been born in Scotland, as in his census records in the U.S. he states he is from Ireland, but his children state he was born in Scotland. On the passenger records from his trip to the U.S., it is stated his last residence at age 21 was in Derry or Lifford. I found military enlistment records for him stating he joined as a foot soldier at age 15 from Aghalurcher, Co. Fermanagh. These are all the clues I have. Any advice on where to search for further records is deeply appreciated. Thank you to anyone who is willing to help.
CionnaithCinnéidighCeallaigh
Friday 15th Jul 2022, 12:10AMMessage Board Replies
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Is your William Weir the one who emigrated on the Conestoga in 1819?
If so, I examined the passenger record on Ancestry. He sailed from Londonderry but his residence was actually Lifford, which is in Donegal.
He sailed with Jane Weir, a widow, likely his mother; and Helen Weir, a spinster, likely his sister.
I hope this is helpful.
Patricia
Friday 15th Jul 2022, 12:21AM -
William Weir is a fairly common name. In the 1901 Irish census, there were 160. It would have been equally common in the early 1800s. Bearing that in mind, it’s possible that the William Weir from Aghalurcher who joined the army is a different person to the one from Lifford.
Lifford is in the parish of Clonleigh. I looked to see what church records exist for that parish. The church of Ireland has no records before the 1840s, the Presbyterian church (Ballindrait) has records from 1819 & RC 1773-1795 then a gap till 1836. So if that’s where your William comes from there seems unlikely to be any record of his baptism.
Researching in Ireland in the late 1700s/early 1800s can be fairly challenging due to the general lack of records.
Elwyn, IrelandXO Volunteer ☘
Friday 15th Jul 2022, 12:57AM